Gasoline prices rose on Fri., March 2 for the 24th straight day, as pumping stations pass along the rising cost of oil. The national average for gasoline hit $3.74 per gallon, according to AAA, Wright Express and Oil Price Information Service. That's an increase of 46.5 cents per gallon since the start of 2012 and a record for this time of year. Some market analysts say it could reach a record of $4.25 per gallon by late April. Oil prices have been rising since January on fears that world supplies will suffer as the West confronts Iran over its nuclear program. Iran is the world's third-largest oil exporter. Locally, The Daily Freeman reports $3.97 gas at the QuickChek in the Town of Ulster. The Daily Mail reports several local gas prices, with the lowest at $3.85 in Chatham at the Mobil at 2 Church St.; also $3.87 at Catskill's Gulf at 260 West Bridge St., and $3.89 at the Stewart's Shops at 61 Chatham St (US-9) in Kinderhook.